The determinants of export performance across 29 states and union territories are examined, highlighting the importance of sub-national variations in trade competitiveness. Using data from 2019–24, the paper analyses the role of foreign direct investment, infrastructure, and business ecosystem conditions in shaping state-level exports. It finds a significant linkage between FDI inflows and export growth, while logistics and industrial ecosystems strongly influence competitiveness. The paper argues that, alongside national trade policy initiatives, such as One District One Product, greater state participation in external economic engagement can strengthen India’s
export performance.